BAS Controls Estimator

DeBra-Kuempel Inc.•Collierville, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP); building automation; and industrial piping contractor. Our team offers a variety of MEP and process piping services, including design-build engineering for new construction and renovation, installation and specialty construction, maintenance, and air balancing, start-up, and energy efficiency services. We are seeking a detail-oriented, technically proficient BAS Controls Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for building automation systems projects. This role involves analyzing plans, specifications, sequences of operation, and customer requirements to develop comprehensive bids for new installations, retrofits, expansions, service agreements, and energy-optimization projects in commercial, institutional, healthcare, industrial, and mission-critical facilities. The ideal candidate combines strong knowledge of BAS/controls technology (DDC, protocols, hardware/software) with excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with sales, engineering, and operations teams to support winning bids and smooth project handoffs.

Requirements

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
4–8+ years of experience in estimating or related roles within building automation systems, HVAC controls, DDC, or smart buildings industry.
Strong technical understanding of BAS platforms, protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LON, etc.), control sequences, mechanical/electrical systems, and integration (lighting, metering, fire, security).
Proficiency in take-off and estimating tools/software (e.g., Bluebeam; familiarity with ERP/CRM systems).
Solid knowledge of construction processes, labor rates, material pricing, and project delivery methods in commercial/industrial sectors.
Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy under deadlines.
Strong communication skills for interacting with sales, customers, engineers, and vendors.
Ability to read/interpret blueprints, specs, and control drawings.
Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel). Advanced experience with spreadsheets a plus.
Familiarity with AutoCAD, Visio and other electrical, technical, or construction programs.
Familiarity with building architecture and computer networks.
Familiarity with third party equipment integration over protocols such as BACnet/Modbus.
Must have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of customer, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors and suppliers, and other contractor organizations.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to commute to field locations. The employee must have the ability to navigate around job site locations.

Nice To Haves

Manufacturer-specific certifications or training (e.g., Niagara Certification, Tridium, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell).
Experience estimating for healthcare, data centers, higher education, or large portfolios with energy/performance contracting focus.
Familiarity with LEED/sustainability requirements, fault detection & diagnostics (FDD), cybersecurity standards for BAS, and remote/cloud-based systems.
Previous field experience in BAS installation, commissioning, or service (helpful for realistic estimating).
Knowledge of prevailing wage, union labor, or public sector bidding processes.
Programming experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Review and interpret project documents including architectural/mechanical/electrical plans, specifications, sequences of operation, RFPs, and addenda to determine scope and requirements.
Perform detailed take-offs for BAS components: controllers, sensors, actuators, valves, dampers, end devices, panels, wiring, network infrastructure, software licenses, programming hours, and integration points.
Develop accurate bill of materials (BOM), labor estimates (installation, commissioning, programming, project management), subcontractor quotes, and overhead/profit margins.
Estimate costs for various project types: plan & spec, design-build, performance contracts, service/retro-commissioning, and IoT/cloud-integrated systems.
Select appropriate control system hardware/software (e.g., Tridium Niagara, BACnet/Modbus/LON devices, Automated Logic, Johnson Metasys, Siemens Desigo/CC, Honeywell, Distech, etc.) and ensure compliance with project specs and standards.
Identify value engineering opportunities, risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change order items to mitigate bid risks and improve competitiveness.
Collaborate with sales team to qualify opportunities, clarify scope with customers/engineers, attend pre-bid meetings/walkthroughs, and prepare bid clarifications.
Work with vendors/subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing for materials, panels, and third-party services.
Prepare professional bid proposals, scope narratives, pricing breakdowns, and supporting documentation for submission.
Support post-bid activities: negotiate scope/price with clients, handle value engineering requests, and transition winning projects to operations/project management teams.
Maintain estimating databases, templates, historical cost data, and unit pricing for continuous improvement in accuracy and speed.
Stay current on BAS industry trends, product updates, pricing changes, codes/standards (ASHRAE, LEED, cybersecurity for OT), and emerging technologies (AI/FDD, cloud BAS, decarbonization solutions).
Contribute to team goals for bid win rate, margin achievement, and estimating turnaround time.